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Exodus 15:11
Verse
Context
The Song at the Sea
10But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. 11Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? 12You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them up.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? - We have already seen that all the Egyptian gods, or the objects of the Egyptians' idolatry, were confounded, and rendered completely despicable, by the ten plagues, which appear to have been directed principally against them. Here the people of God exult over them afresh: Who among these gods is like unto Thee? They can neither save nor destroy; Thou dost both in the most signal manner. As the original words מי כמכה באלם יהוה mi chamochah baelim Yehovah are supposed to have constituted the motto on the ensign of the Asmoneans, and to have furnished the name of Maccabeus to Judas, their grand captain, from whom they were afterwards called Maccabeans, it may be necessary to say a few words on this subject It is possible that Judas Maccabeus might have had this motto on his ensign, or at least the initial letters of it, for such a practice was not uncommon. For instance, on the Roman standard the letters S. P. Q. R. stood for Senatus Populus Que Romanus, i.e. the Senate and Roman People, and מ כ ב י M. C. B. I. might have stood for Mi Chamochah Baelim Jehovah, "Who among the gods (or strong ones) is like unto thee, O Jehovah!" But it appears from the Greek Μακκαβαιος, and also the Syriac makabi, that the name was written originally with ק koph, not כ caph. It is most likely, as Michaelis has observed, that the name must have been derived from מקב makkab, a hammer or mallet; hence Judas, because of his bravery and success, might have been denominated the hammer or mallet by which the enemies of God had been beaten, pounded, and broken to pieces. Judas, the hammer of the Lord. Glorious in holiness - Infinitely resplendent in this attribute, essential to the perfection of the Divine nature. Fearful in praises - Such glorious holiness cannot be approached without the deepest reverence and fear, even by angels, who veil their faces before the majesty of God. How then should man, who is only sin and dust, approach the presence of his Maker! Doing wonders? - Every part of the work of God is wonderful; not only miracles, which imply an inversion or suspension of the laws of nature, but every part of nature itself. Who can conceive how a single blade of grass is formed; or how earth, air, and water become consolidated in the body of the oak? And who can comprehend how the different tribes of plants and animals are preserved, in all the distinctive characteristics of their respective natures? And who can conceive how the human being is formed, nourished, and its different parts developed? What is the true cause of the circulation of the blood? or, how different ailments produce the solids and fluids of the animal machine? What is life, sleep, death? And how an impure and unholy soul is regenerated, purified, refined, and made like unto its great Creator? These are wonders which God alone works, and to himself only are they fully known.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?.... For the perfections of his nature, for the blessings of his goodness, and for the works of his hands; and especially for the greatness and excellency of his power, seen in the salvation of his people, and the ruin of their enemies: there is none like him "among the mighty ones", as it may be rendered; among the mighty angels, who excel in strength, and are sometimes called gods; or among the mighty ones on earth; or the sons of the mighty, kings, princes, judges, and civil magistrates of every rank and order; especially for the following things: who is like thee, glorious in holiness? some understand this of the holy place, either heaven, where Christ is glorious above all created beings; or the church, where he shows himself glorious to his people: others, of holy persons, either holy angels, among whom he was at Sinai, and when he ascended on high, and will be when he comes again, in his own and his Father's glory; or the saints, when he will bring them with him, and be glorified in them; but rather it is to be understood of the attribute of his holiness, which is eminently and perfectly in him; in his person, with respect to both his natures, divine and human; the glory of which is displayed in all the works he has wrought, especially in the great work of redemption, which was undertook both for the honour of the holiness and righteousness of God, and to redeem his people from sin, and make them righteous and holy: it appears in the holy doctrines he taught, and in the holy commandments and ordinances he enjoined his people, and in his judgments on his enemies; in all which it is plainly seen that he loves righteousness and hates iniquity, and there is none like him for it; there is none holy as the Lord among angels or men, Sa1 2:2. fearful in praises; or, in the things for which he is to be praised; as the glories and excellencies of his person, the blessings received from him, and through him, both temporal and spiritual; grace, and all the blessings of it here, now communicated, and glory and happiness promised and expected: and many things, for which he is to be praised, he is "fearful", awful, and tremendous in them; there are some things his right hand teaches him, and it does, deserving of praise, which yet are terrible, and such were they which are here literally, referred to; the plagues upon the Egyptians, and the destruction of Pharaoh and his host, called the wondrous works done in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea, Psa 106:22 and yet these were matter of praise to Israel, and gave occasion for this song; and such are they, in a spiritual sense, which he has done to his and our enemies: when the year of his redeemed was come, it was a day of vengeance in his heart, and he exercised it; he made an end of sin, abolished death, destroyed him which had the power of it, and spoiled principalities and powers; and a dreadful slaughter will be made of antichrist and his followers, when the song of Moses and the Lamb will be sung on account of it; and such dispensations of Providence, and judgments on men, as on Pharaoh and antichrist, as they are terrible to wicked men, they strike an awe on the people of God, at the same time they furnish out a song of praise to them: moreover, this may respect not only the matter of praise, but the reverend manner in which it is performed by good men; who, as they have a concern that they cannot sufficiently praise the Lord, and fear they shall not perform it aright, and sensible of their weakness and imperfection, like the seraphim, cover their faces while they applaud his perfections, particularly that of his holiness, and declare the earth is full of his glory; so they desire to perform this, as all their other services, with a holy fear and trembling, with reverence and godly fear since holy and reverend is his name: it follows: doing wonders; and for which there is none like him; wonders Christ did before his incarnate state, both in eternity, in the goings forth of his heart, in acts of love to his people, in asking for them, and betrothing them, in becoming the surety of them, in proposing to be a sacrifice in their stead, in entering into a covenant with his Father on their account, in taking the care and charge of their persons, and in being the treasury of all grace and glory for them; and likewise in time, being concerned in the wondrous works of creation, which are a wonderful display of divine wisdom, power, and goodness, and in all the affairs of Providence; for there was not any remarkable occurrence, from the beginning of the world to the time of his coming in the flesh, but he was concerned therein; as the drowning of the old world, to whom previously he preached by his Spirit in Noah; the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah, the plagues of Egypt, and the destruction of Pharaoh and his host, the deliverance of the children of Israel, both out of Egypt and Babylon, and many others: and when he became incarnate, how many wonders were wrought by him? the incarnation itself was a wonderful instance of his grace and condescension, to take upon him the nature of man, be made flesh, and dwell among them; and during his incarnate state on earth many wonders were done by him; the doctrines he taught, the miracles he wrought, and especially the great work of our redemption and salvation, which will be for ever the wonder of men and angels; his raising himself from the dead, his ascension to heaven, and his appearance there for his people, as well as his second coming to judgment, are all marvellous things; and on account of all this, and more, he may well be called "wonderful"; for working wonders there is none like him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:11 The gods of the pagan nations are not in the same category as the Lord. They do not deserve to be called holy (see study note on 3:5).
Exodus 15:11
The Song at the Sea
10But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. 11Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? 12You stretched out Your right hand, and the earth swallowed them up.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Holiness of God
By Paul Washer10K53:51EXO 15:11EXO 20:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to the reality of God's holiness. He starts by highlighting the commandment in Exodus 20:3 to have no other gods before God. The preacher then uses a personal anecdote about feeling fear in a dark cornfield to illustrate the choice between encountering a terrifying human or a Martian, ultimately emphasizing the need for God in our lives. The sermon also touches on the concept of reality and how it should not just be intellectual knowledge, but a living reality in our lives. The preacher concludes by discussing the significance of God's nature and the caution needed when comparing Him to earthly fathers or governors.
The Holiness of God - Part 1
By A.W. Tozer6.5K15:06Holiness Of GodEXO 15:11EXO 19:12EXO 19:16JOB 15:15JOB 25:6PSA 22:3PRO 9:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the burning bush and later on Mount Sinai. Moses, out of fear and awe, removed his shoes and hid his face. God instructed Moses to sanctify the people and set boundaries around the mountain, warning that anyone who touched it would be put to death. The preacher also reflects on the impurity and sinfulness of humanity, contrasting it with the purity and holiness of God.
Take Heed, Lest You Fall
By Leonard Ravenhill4.3K1:20:28Take HeedEXO 15:11JER 1:10JER 2:13JER 4:19MAT 16:131CO 10:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the role of a prophet and the importance of listening to God's voice. The prophet in focus is described as having a fierce loyalty to God and a broken heart. The preacher emphasizes the need for making vows deliberately and intelligently before God, rather than in the heat of emotion. The sermon also touches on the question of who Jesus is, with various opinions being mentioned, but the preacher highlights the significance of Jesus as the Son of Man. Additionally, the preacher mentions the sin and impurity of the nation, leading to their impending bondage and eventual dispersal. However, there is hope as the prophet predicts the coming of Jesus Christ and his eternal reign. The sermon concludes with a thought-provoking question about God's knowledge of unborn babies and a lamentation over the millions of abortions that have taken place.
Holy in Christ
By B.H. Clendennen2.5K44:47Transformation in ChristHolinessEXO 15:11B.H. Clendennen emphasizes the profound connection between holiness and glory in God, illustrating that true holiness is not merely about rules but about the presence of God transforming us. He explains that as believers, we are called to be 'holy in Christ,' where God's holiness purifies and consumes the sinful nature within us. Clendennen highlights that God's glory is revealed through His holiness, which both judges and redeems, leading us into a deeper relationship with Him. The sermon encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ, recognizing that they are already holy because of His presence in their lives. Ultimately, Clendennen calls for a response of worship and surrender to God's transformative work.
Fear of the Lord
By Winkie Pratney2.4K1:08:57Fear Of The LordReverence for GodEXO 15:11DEU 10:12PSA 86:11PRO 1:7PRO 28:14MAL 1:6MRK 4:36JHN 3:162TI 1:71JN 4:18Winkie Pratney emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the foremost requirement from God, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:12. He explains that while love, service, and obedience are important, they stem from a proper understanding of God's greatness and holiness. Pratney explores the dual nature of fear in the Bible, contrasting the fear of the Lord with the fear that God does not give us, and highlights that true reverence for God leads to wisdom and understanding. He encourages believers to seek a deeper revelation of God's beauty and majesty, which will transform their lives and lead to genuine worship and obedience.
Praying for Revival
By Brian Edwards2.4K49:54Revival PrayingGEN 2:3EXO 15:11DEU 29:24DEU 30:2DEU 30:13JER 2:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of faith in four generations. The great grandparents of the present generation believed in the Christian faith but were indifferent to their belief. They knew the stories of the Bible but did not truly care about them. The speaker emphasizes the need to hold God before us and care about our faith. The psalmist's prayer in Psalm 77 is highlighted as an impertinent prayer, challenging God with questions and accusations. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of remembering God's mighty deeds in the past and how they have led to revival in different parts of the world.
The Majesty of God
By Leonard Ravenhill2.3K51:56Majesty Of GodEXO 15:1EXO 15:11MAT 6:33In this sermon transcript, the speaker announces that they will be hosting a Bible study every Tuesday night for sixty minutes in Garden Valley. The study will focus on the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, which discusses faith. The speaker mentions the story of Moses parting the sea as an example of great faith in God. They also reference Isaiah 40, describing it as a beautiful piece of prose that emphasizes the majesty of God. The speaker concludes by acknowledging that while God cannot be fully explained, he can be experienced, and encourages listeners to obey God's commands and trust in his design.
The Man God Tore Apart - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill2.0K1:10:28WarningEXO 15:11JER 8:20JER 9:1JER 20:9LAM 2:11JOL 2:17REV 11:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing both the goodness and severity of God. He warns that America is experiencing an abundance of material blessings but neglecting the spiritual nourishment of the word of God. The preacher expresses deep sorrow and weeps for the sins committed by the people and the impending wrath of God. He also highlights the need for repentance and revival, stating that the road to revival is paved with tears. The sermon references biblical passages, such as Jeremiah 9:1 and Joel 2, to support the preacher's message.
The Majesty of Our God
By Leonard Ravenhill1.7K51:28Character Of GodEXO 15:1EXO 15:11ISA 40:18ISA 49:16ISA 60:1HEB 11:11HEB 11:18In this sermon, Dave Wilkerson and his wife discuss the power of experiencing God's presence firsthand rather than just watching it in films or hearing about it in class. They announce their plan to hold a weekly Bible study for sixty minutes, focusing on the eleventh chapter of Hebrews on faith. They emphasize the importance of studying the Word of God and encourage listeners to tape the sessions. The sermon also highlights the incomparable nature of God and the inability to compare Him to anything or anyone else.
The Presence of God - Part 2
By David Ravenhill1.7K22:39EXO 15:112SA 6:32SA 7:31CH 16:1PSA 86:11MAT 6:33MRK 6:20In this sermon, the speaker addresses the anger and setbacks that the people of God are experiencing. He believes that God is using these challenges to discipline and correct the church. The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking God and doing things according to the divine order. He encourages the church to rely on God's help and to allow Him to work with them. The sermon also highlights the awe and fear of God, and how David's perspective shifted when he encountered the fear of God.
The Holiness of God
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K44:03Holiness Of GodEXO 15:11LEV 11:44LEV 19:2LEV 20:7ISA 40:25MAT 5:481PE 1:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of the holiness of God. He emphasizes that holiness is not just a characteristic of God, but it also represents His will for His creatures. The speaker highlights that holiness is mentioned in religious contexts and is connected to four aspects: the nature of God, the duty of man, the work of grace in the Christian and the church, and the state of future glory. The speaker encourages a deeper understanding of holiness and emphasizes the importance of seeing truth in its divine context.
(Romans) God's Dealing With Israel Explained
By Willie Mullan1.5K55:45IsraelEXO 15:11PSA 77:14MAT 6:33ACT 16:30ROM 9:2ROM 9:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of coming to God and surrendering oneself to Him. He emphasizes the need to trust in Jesus and make Him the center of our lives. The speaker also explores the reasons why some Israelites and Gentiles have different outcomes in their faith, highlighting the importance of faith in God's plan. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his personal burden for his fellow Jews and his desire for them to be saved.
The Superlatives of God
By Walter Wilson1.1K37:35GodEXO 15:11JDG 6:12JOB 42:5PSA 103:12LAM 3:22MAT 6:33EPH 2:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wickedness and forgetfulness of human beings when it comes to their sins. He suggests a practical exercise of writing down every thought, deed, and word every 15 minutes throughout the day to realize the extent of our sins. The preacher also highlights the importance of recognizing the exceeding riches of God's grace and the need for miracles in our lives. He references the story of Gideon and encourages believers to link themselves with God's people and expect God to work through their presence. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the forgiveness of sins through Christ and the abundant life that believers can experience.
(History of the Salvation Army) the Doctrine of Holiness
By H. Scotney1.1K59:36Salvation ArmyEXO 15:11PRO 24:9ISA 6:3JHN 9:41In this sermon, the speaker discusses the struggle that believers often face in asserting their own will instead of surrendering to the divine will. He references Romans 7, where Paul describes a man in a state of defeat and longing for deliverance from the bondage of sin. The speaker emphasizes that this longing for purity and victory typically occurs after conversion. The sermon also highlights God's eternal purpose to restore the image of His Son in humanity, as seen in Genesis 3 and throughout the Bible. The role of the Holy Spirit as the light that expels darkness and imparts love is also emphasized, drawing from the story of the Day of Pentecost and Romans 5:5.
Open Thy Mouth Wide, and I Will Fill It
By Carter Conlon94750:13Christian LifeEXO 15:11DEU 6:7PSA 81:10PSA 98:4MAT 6:33ACT 4:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit's power in the face of the challenges and trials of life. He highlights the limitations of human reasoning and the importance of relying on Christ to navigate through storms, fires, and difficult situations. The speaker also expresses his brokenness for the state of America, where violence and the rejection of God are prevalent. He shares his personal testimony of being delivered from fear and panic attacks by the power of God, and encourages others to trust in Jesus for their own deliverance. The sermon references the story of Isaiah being called by God and the account of Peter and the early church facing threats to their testimony.
The Holiness of God
By Ian Murray81346:21EXO 5:11EXO 15:11EXO 20:7LEV 10:1MAT 6:33ACT 4:12REV 21:27In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt and their journey to the Red Sea. He emphasizes that just as God delivered the Israelites from their enemies, He will also deliver all nations in the future. The speaker also highlights the importance of God's law and how it reveals His character and demands holiness from mankind. He explains that breaking even one commandment is a contemptuous act against God and that the law exposes our need for redemption and salvation.
The Beauty of Holiness
By David Davis77942:45EXO 15:11LEV 10:102CH 20:21PSA 29:1PSA 45:11PSA 45:13ISA 6:3HEB 12:141PE 1:15REV 4:8This sermon emphasizes the beauty of holiness, recounting a powerful testimony of a communist man encountering the overwhelming beauty of God's presence, leading to his conversion. The speaker delves into the importance of pursuing holiness, drawing parallels from the experiences of the children of Israel and the significance of God's holiness in their lives. The message stresses the need for believers to hunger for God's holiness, to distinguish between what is holy and unholy, and to seek transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Practical Holiness
By Billy Strachan59242:35HolinessEXO 15:11LEV 23:11HEB 12:5In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of an IRA terrorist who found redemption and transformation through faith in Christ. The terrorist, who had committed heinous acts and enjoyed doing them, realized that his actions were sinful and unrelated to any political or religious cause. He had a life-changing encounter when he discovered an old copy of Our Daily Bread in his prison cell, which contained a message about putting off the old self and putting on the new self. This revelation led him to seek forgiveness, put his faith in Christ, and desire to share his newfound faith with others. The speaker emphasizes the importance of making the choice to change and pursue holiness, as God's power is released when we align our hearts with His will. The sermon references Peter's first epistle and Hebrews 12 to highlight the need for holiness and the loving discipline of God.
Fearful in Praises
By G.W. North14323:45PraiseEXO 15:11PSA 99:3MAT 28:18LUK 24:49ACT 1:8ROM 8:15REV 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the true meaning of the baptism in the Spirit. He explains that it is not just about receiving power for service, but rather about entering into the heart of Christ and experiencing the love that burned in Jesus' heart on the cross. The preacher highlights the tremendous fire of God's judgments against sin and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He also mentions the future judgment of God, where the earth and all living things will be incinerated, emphasizing the need to be baptized in the fire of Calvary.
The Sparkling Diamond in the Ring of Glory
By Thomas Brooks0WorshipHoliness Of GodEXO 15:11LEV 11:44PSA 30:4PSA 96:9ISA 6:3MAT 5:48HEB 12:141PE 1:161JN 1:5REV 4:8Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound impact of God's holiness, illustrating how the seraphim's thrice-repeated declaration, 'Holy, holy, holy,' reflects both the supreme excellence of God's holiness and their deep admiration for it. He likens God's holiness to a sparkling diamond set in the ring of glory, highlighting its unmatched beauty and significance. The sermon calls believers to recognize and be captivated by the holiness of God, which should inspire a deeper reverence and worship.
The Beauty of Holiness
By Thomas Reade0EXO 15:11PSA 96:9MAT 5:82CO 10:3EPH 2:8EPH 6:10HEB 11:1JAS 2:261PE 1:151JN 5:4Thomas Reade preaches on 'The Beauty of Holiness,' emphasizing the grand characteristic of the gospel of Christ as holiness and the importance of believers being a holy people. He highlights the difference between the world's morality and true holiness, which involves purity of heart and conformity to the divine image. Reade urges self-examination, prayer for divine illumination, and vigilance in the Christian warfare against indwelling sin and external foes, emphasizing the need for a living faith that works by love, purifies the heart, and overcomes the world.
Of the Holiness of God.
By John Gill0Divine PerfectionThe Holiness of GodEXO 15:11DEU 32:4PSA 27:4ISA 40:25JHN 17:112CO 7:11TH 4:7HEB 1:81PE 1:15REV 15:4John Gill emphasizes the holiness of God as an essential and immutable attribute that defines His nature and essence. He explains that God's holiness is the foundation of His perfection, distinguishing Him from all creation, which is inherently flawed. Gill illustrates how God's holiness is evident in His works of creation, providence, and grace, asserting that it is the source of all true righteousness and purity. He also highlights the holiness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, affirming that all three persons of the Trinity share this divine attribute. Ultimately, Gill calls believers to reflect God's holiness in their lives, as they are called to be holy as He is holy.
Gods Character Is Infinitely Holy
By A.W. Tozer0God's HolinessMoral CharacterEXO 15:11PSA 18:30PRO 3:5ISA 6:3ROM 3:232CO 5:7HEB 11:6JAS 1:171PE 1:161JN 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God's character is infinitely holy and serves as the foundation of moral excellence in the universe. He argues that just as the excellence of steel is strength, the excellence of humanity lies in moral character, which is essential for trust and relationships. Tozer highlights that despite the confusion sin has caused, confidence in one another is crucial for societal cohesion, and ultimately, our relationship with God must be built on faith and trust in His supreme moral excellence. He asserts that God invites our unreserved confidence, and without faith, it is impossible to please Him.
The Perfections of God
By A.W. Tozer0Worship in HolinessGod's PerfectionEXO 15:111CH 16:29PSA 27:4PSA 29:2PSA 96:9ISA 6:3ROM 11:36HEB 12:281PE 1:16REV 4:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for Christians to shift their focus from external religious practices to the internal and spiritual understanding of God's perfection and glory. He expresses a desire for the church to recapture the awe and majesty of God, which has been diminished in contemporary worship. Tozer calls for a revival of the biblical concepts of God's holiness and beauty, urging believers to preach, sing, and share these truths to experience true delight in worship. He believes that only what is holy can be truly beautiful, and that Christians should embrace the beauty of God's holiness in their lives.
Holy, Holy, Holy
By Thomas Brooks0Pursuing HolinessGod's HolinessEXO 15:11ISA 6:31PE 1:151JN 1:5Thomas Brooks emphasizes the unparalleled holiness of God, describing it as infinitely, transcendently, and gloriously holy. He contrasts God's pure holiness with the mixed and imperfect holiness found in humans, highlighting the constant presence of unholiness in our lives. Brooks asserts that God's holiness permeates all His actions, attributes, and nature, making Him the ultimate source of holiness. He encourages believers to seek God's holiness as the standard for their own lives, reminding them that true holiness can only come from God. The sermon culminates in the call to recognize and aspire to the holiness of God as the ultimate example.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? - We have already seen that all the Egyptian gods, or the objects of the Egyptians' idolatry, were confounded, and rendered completely despicable, by the ten plagues, which appear to have been directed principally against them. Here the people of God exult over them afresh: Who among these gods is like unto Thee? They can neither save nor destroy; Thou dost both in the most signal manner. As the original words מי כמכה באלם יהוה mi chamochah baelim Yehovah are supposed to have constituted the motto on the ensign of the Asmoneans, and to have furnished the name of Maccabeus to Judas, their grand captain, from whom they were afterwards called Maccabeans, it may be necessary to say a few words on this subject It is possible that Judas Maccabeus might have had this motto on his ensign, or at least the initial letters of it, for such a practice was not uncommon. For instance, on the Roman standard the letters S. P. Q. R. stood for Senatus Populus Que Romanus, i.e. the Senate and Roman People, and מ כ ב י M. C. B. I. might have stood for Mi Chamochah Baelim Jehovah, "Who among the gods (or strong ones) is like unto thee, O Jehovah!" But it appears from the Greek Μακκαβαιος, and also the Syriac makabi, that the name was written originally with ק koph, not כ caph. It is most likely, as Michaelis has observed, that the name must have been derived from מקב makkab, a hammer or mallet; hence Judas, because of his bravery and success, might have been denominated the hammer or mallet by which the enemies of God had been beaten, pounded, and broken to pieces. Judas, the hammer of the Lord. Glorious in holiness - Infinitely resplendent in this attribute, essential to the perfection of the Divine nature. Fearful in praises - Such glorious holiness cannot be approached without the deepest reverence and fear, even by angels, who veil their faces before the majesty of God. How then should man, who is only sin and dust, approach the presence of his Maker! Doing wonders? - Every part of the work of God is wonderful; not only miracles, which imply an inversion or suspension of the laws of nature, but every part of nature itself. Who can conceive how a single blade of grass is formed; or how earth, air, and water become consolidated in the body of the oak? And who can comprehend how the different tribes of plants and animals are preserved, in all the distinctive characteristics of their respective natures? And who can conceive how the human being is formed, nourished, and its different parts developed? What is the true cause of the circulation of the blood? or, how different ailments produce the solids and fluids of the animal machine? What is life, sleep, death? And how an impure and unholy soul is regenerated, purified, refined, and made like unto its great Creator? These are wonders which God alone works, and to himself only are they fully known.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods?.... For the perfections of his nature, for the blessings of his goodness, and for the works of his hands; and especially for the greatness and excellency of his power, seen in the salvation of his people, and the ruin of their enemies: there is none like him "among the mighty ones", as it may be rendered; among the mighty angels, who excel in strength, and are sometimes called gods; or among the mighty ones on earth; or the sons of the mighty, kings, princes, judges, and civil magistrates of every rank and order; especially for the following things: who is like thee, glorious in holiness? some understand this of the holy place, either heaven, where Christ is glorious above all created beings; or the church, where he shows himself glorious to his people: others, of holy persons, either holy angels, among whom he was at Sinai, and when he ascended on high, and will be when he comes again, in his own and his Father's glory; or the saints, when he will bring them with him, and be glorified in them; but rather it is to be understood of the attribute of his holiness, which is eminently and perfectly in him; in his person, with respect to both his natures, divine and human; the glory of which is displayed in all the works he has wrought, especially in the great work of redemption, which was undertook both for the honour of the holiness and righteousness of God, and to redeem his people from sin, and make them righteous and holy: it appears in the holy doctrines he taught, and in the holy commandments and ordinances he enjoined his people, and in his judgments on his enemies; in all which it is plainly seen that he loves righteousness and hates iniquity, and there is none like him for it; there is none holy as the Lord among angels or men, Sa1 2:2. fearful in praises; or, in the things for which he is to be praised; as the glories and excellencies of his person, the blessings received from him, and through him, both temporal and spiritual; grace, and all the blessings of it here, now communicated, and glory and happiness promised and expected: and many things, for which he is to be praised, he is "fearful", awful, and tremendous in them; there are some things his right hand teaches him, and it does, deserving of praise, which yet are terrible, and such were they which are here literally, referred to; the plagues upon the Egyptians, and the destruction of Pharaoh and his host, called the wondrous works done in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea, Psa 106:22 and yet these were matter of praise to Israel, and gave occasion for this song; and such are they, in a spiritual sense, which he has done to his and our enemies: when the year of his redeemed was come, it was a day of vengeance in his heart, and he exercised it; he made an end of sin, abolished death, destroyed him which had the power of it, and spoiled principalities and powers; and a dreadful slaughter will be made of antichrist and his followers, when the song of Moses and the Lamb will be sung on account of it; and such dispensations of Providence, and judgments on men, as on Pharaoh and antichrist, as they are terrible to wicked men, they strike an awe on the people of God, at the same time they furnish out a song of praise to them: moreover, this may respect not only the matter of praise, but the reverend manner in which it is performed by good men; who, as they have a concern that they cannot sufficiently praise the Lord, and fear they shall not perform it aright, and sensible of their weakness and imperfection, like the seraphim, cover their faces while they applaud his perfections, particularly that of his holiness, and declare the earth is full of his glory; so they desire to perform this, as all their other services, with a holy fear and trembling, with reverence and godly fear since holy and reverend is his name: it follows: doing wonders; and for which there is none like him; wonders Christ did before his incarnate state, both in eternity, in the goings forth of his heart, in acts of love to his people, in asking for them, and betrothing them, in becoming the surety of them, in proposing to be a sacrifice in their stead, in entering into a covenant with his Father on their account, in taking the care and charge of their persons, and in being the treasury of all grace and glory for them; and likewise in time, being concerned in the wondrous works of creation, which are a wonderful display of divine wisdom, power, and goodness, and in all the affairs of Providence; for there was not any remarkable occurrence, from the beginning of the world to the time of his coming in the flesh, but he was concerned therein; as the drowning of the old world, to whom previously he preached by his Spirit in Noah; the burning of Sodom and Gomorrah, the plagues of Egypt, and the destruction of Pharaoh and his host, the deliverance of the children of Israel, both out of Egypt and Babylon, and many others: and when he became incarnate, how many wonders were wrought by him? the incarnation itself was a wonderful instance of his grace and condescension, to take upon him the nature of man, be made flesh, and dwell among them; and during his incarnate state on earth many wonders were done by him; the doctrines he taught, the miracles he wrought, and especially the great work of our redemption and salvation, which will be for ever the wonder of men and angels; his raising himself from the dead, his ascension to heaven, and his appearance there for his people, as well as his second coming to judgment, are all marvellous things; and on account of all this, and more, he may well be called "wonderful"; for working wonders there is none like him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
15:11 The gods of the pagan nations are not in the same category as the Lord. They do not deserve to be called holy (see study note on 3:5).